I think I forgot how much a few days in the country could mend everything and melt away anxiety. I guess it's because I haven't been back to Fellsmere since my pony Shawn passed away, and Fellsmere was always my reprieve from real life and the weight that came with it. It was hard enough to go back after Rowdy died, but losing Shawn only a year later made it practically impossible. What used to be my sanctuary is now a graveyard.

It's not the same, especially without the company of my horses, but a day spent in nature was an excellent escape. I've just been a little on edge lately, and walking around barefoot in a vintage cotton dress - complete with bruised up knees and impractical headwear - was just what I needed. I'm definitely making an effort to do it more often. And though I didn't get to ride any horses, I did meet a lovely mare who kissed me on the nose. What more could a gal ask for?

Speaking of getting out of the city and exploring more - where should we go on our next day trip? Preferably something less than three hours away from NYC. Please let me know if you have any suggestions!

I love the sixth picture. It looks like you have traveled in time. If I ever made a steampunk series, you will be the lead heroine. You have that quality about you. Totally feminine and coy but not afraid to kick-ass.

I'm not sure if you've ever been, but check out the Sands Point Preserve sometime when you want to get out of the city. It's only a 30-45 minute train ride east from Brooklyn (though it may be easier to drive because Sands Point is very north on Long Island). There are nature trails and historical buildings. It's a great place to go and relax- and not to mention it's absolutely beautiful. My heart goes out to you dealing with the loss of your horses- it's never easy to lose not a pet, but a family member.

I love your gorgeous vintage dress, you never fail to bring something new and fresh to your blog. I always look forward to your posts!

I'm in love with that Iron Orchard Vintage dress! You look like you stepped out of a fairytale out in the woodlands in that gorgeous dress - it's so pretty and feminine. I love everything about it - the short puffy sleeves the crochet detail on the bodice and the tier down to the fancy hem, the way it flares out - perfection. So sorry your ponies passed away. The photos are awesome. As for getting out of the city to explore within three hours - the ride is dull but the Hamptons are just within that three hour range if traffic isn't too heavy.

I feel the same way about getting out of the city. A couple of my favorite places outside of New York are New Paltz, NY, Tarrytown (love to visit Stone Barns), and for a bit further and possible overnights are Montauk and Roxbury New York.

I know the subject matter of this post isn't the most cheerful (so sorry about your pals, Keiko - losing animals is particularly rough), I still have to say that this is my favorite post by far. The styling is absolutely gorgeous and whimsical...and it seems as though the process was good for your soul. :)

you look so stunning, the dress is really gorgeous color and style, kinda fairytale like and with the hat and the wicker purse, sigh so perfect. i would love to get out into the woods for a couple days too, sounds nice

These photos are stunning, though I am sorry to hear about your horses and that you have that sort of darker connection to the area!

I live In Colorado but am originally from New Jersey. My parents live in a tiny beach town called Ocean Grove which could be a fun daytrip from the city! It is very quaint with victorian homes, the beach and boardwalk, and a main street of adorable restaurants and ice cream shops!

If you go in the summer, there is also a "tent city", where people live in these tents attached to houses on little plots all in a row- its adorable! Hope that helps!Feel free to email me with any questions :)xo Hannahthebraidedbandit.blogspot.comhannahmeyer17 at gmail dot com

OMG, when I saw this pinned on interest I couldn't believe it, I thought someone made a doll of you, very pretty.

I have a suggestion, go visit Planting Fields out in Brookville Long Island on the north shore, the gardens are beautiful and the house is gorgeous. You can actually drive throughout the property and also have a picknick.

Sorry to hear about your horses. I know it must be hard to revisit the area because of all the emotional attachments. If I may pay a compliment, you look stunning in your "impractical headwear" and cotton eyelet dress. :) But sometimes, really, it helps to get all dressed up and wear your favorite pieces of clothing, to cheer yourself up! Hang in there!

Anywhere in the Hudson Valley is beautiful for day trips. The Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, NY is absolutely stunning. Peaceful, quiet, relaxing. And about an hour trip from the city. What more could you ask for?

Your pictures are always so stunning. If you want to escape the city a great place to go is Cold Spring, NY. Its about an hour and half from the city. You can take the train up and it will drop you right in town. There are a bunch of antique shops, restaurants, cafe's. It's just a nice place to walk around. It's on the hudson river in between the mountains. Very pretty. The Hudson House is a neat little place to check out. I love it in Cold Spring. Nice place to escape and do some antique shopping!

have you ever been to the mohonk mountain house?? it is BEAUTIFUL and only about an hour and half from the city. totally recommend checking.it.out. it's in new paltz, new york, and there are great hiking/walking trails, a gorgeous lake, an amazing old hotel ("mountain house") and just beautiful scenery everywhere!! :)

I hope that the pain from your loss becomes less of a burden and that you can find some peace somewhere.I wouldn't call it a sanctuary (in town at least...outside of town on the beaches it certainly is) butGreenport on Long Island is pretty fantastic. A brewery, winery's, the beach, a carousel, amazing food at every turn. My boyfriend works out there so we're there quite often. You can take the LIRR out there for a nice getaway. Its also free of the south shore snootiness of the Hamptons.

Seconding Lambertville/New Hope, although that will be near the 3 hour mark as it's less than an hour from Philadelphia (which is also a fun daytrip, especially Reading Terminal Market and South Street with its art studios and stores). Tarrytown is also good for cute shops and food. Montclair, NJ is a college town a little bit closer with fun used book stores and local shops. It's where Stephen Colbert lives! Princeton is also super cute and readily accessible via train (you take the Northeast Corridor from Penn Station for an hour and transfer to the dinky [don't ask] at Princeton Junction).

For outdoorsy stuff, High Point State Park at the top of north Jersey, near NY, is really pretty, and has a giant obelisk marking the highest point in the state. Morristown, NJ (where Washington crossed the Delaware) has a nice Green (town square) and is about 45 due west via the Lincoln Tunnel. You can see the state park dedicated to the crossing or go hiking in Jockey Hollow, which is a little further down 287. In addition to Hudson Valley, the Delaware Water Gap has some of the best hiking in the area, and you might as well make a weekend of it and see the Amish in Lancaster, PA. Their baked goods are amazing.

The NJ state fair in Sussex (north west corner of the state) will have some of the animals you love and miss. It is legitimately country out in Sussex with farms and stuff.

Basically I grew up in North Jersey, live in Central Jersey, and love exploring so I'll stop now but there are plenty of other places too!